Method, composition and package for bowel cleansing

Abstract

The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A substitute electrolyte for a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based colon cleanser for enhancing the taste of said cleanser, said substitute electrolyte comprising: a mixture of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate which, when combined with a liquid, will react with one another to generate sufficient tri-sodium citrate to serve as a substitute electrolyte to permit reduction of chloride and/or other types of electrolytes to provide for said enhanced taste. 
     
     
         42 . A method of substantially enhancing the taste of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based colon cleanser comprising the steps of:
 reducing the quantity of sodium chloride to less than 1 gram,   adding citric acid and sodium bicarbonate in an effective amount to generate sufficient tri-sodium citrate to provide sufficient electrolyte substitute for the reduced sodium chloride so as to achieve said enhanced taste of said colon cleanser.   
     
     
         43 . A low chloride electrolyte-replenishing solution comprising a combination of electrolytes and polyethylene glycol (PEG) that is in osmotic balance with the normal serum concentrations of electrolytes in the vasculature of a human intestinal tract, wherein said combination of electrolytes comprises tri-sodium citrate. 
     
     
         44 . The solution of  claim 43 , wherein the tri-sodium citrate is generated by the reaction of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof, and citric acid in an aqueous solution. 
     
     
         45 . The solution of  claim 43 , having a perceived saltiness of between about 0.1% and 0.3%. 
     
     
         46 . The solution of  claim 43 , further comprising a sugar alcohol.